Overview

In order to be kind, giving, and good, we are often taught that we simply must put the needs of others before our own. For women, this is traditionally understood as a moral imperative. For activists and caregivers, focusing on the needs of others is simply what you do. While nurturing and standing up for the rights of the marginalized is vitally important in the work of social justice, so too, is the need to pause and care for yourself.
A Self-Care Retreat is the opportunity to do just this.
To pause. Relish. Learn. Linger. Grow. And care.
Because you deserve to be cared for.

Your Guide

Holy Women Icons Project

The Holy Women Icons Project seeks to empower women by telling the stories of revolutionary holy women through art, writing, and special events.

About this Course

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” -Audre Lorde

There’s no doubt that going to a retreat in a beautiful location can offer respite, inspiration, and empowerment. But not everyone has the time or money for such retreats. Since the Holy Women Icons Project believes that everyone should have access to respite, inspiration, and empowerment, we’ve created online retreats accessible to anyone with an internet connection.

Retreatants receive a 20 minute daily online retreat for the allotted days. Each day includes an image of an icon depicting the woman featured, a brief essay describing her life, questions for contemplation, a guided writing exercise, inspirational quote, ritual exercise, and an action step. The only supplies retreatants need are an internet connection, paper, and pen (though you can use markers or colored pencils if you wish). While 20 minutes is the intended amount of time, some exercises provide opportunities to linger longer if you choose.

This online Self-Care Retreat is the opportunity for activists and caregivers to care for themselves for a change. To pause. Relish. Learn. Grow. Care. Because you deserve to be cared for. In this 7-Day Self-Care Retreat, Lilith teaches us to care enough to leave; Pauli Murray teaches us to care enough to hope; Isadora Duncan teaches us to care for our body; Frida Kahlo teaches us to care for our reality; Virginia Woolf teaches us to care for our space; Anna Julia Cooper teaches us to care for our voice; and Sojourner Truth teaches us to care enough to resist.

Need more information or have questions? Check out our FAQs. Still have questions? Email us at holywomenicons@gmail.com.